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Two Florida residents allege in a Mazda class action lawsuit that their late model vehicle contains defective “smart” brakes which activate unexpectedly.
Plaintiffs Jason Miyares and Christie A. Vidaillet say they leased a 2019 Mazda 3 not knowing that the car suffered from a defect that caused unintended activation of the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and/or the Smart Brake Support (SBS) systems.
According to the Mazda class action lawsuit, 2018 through 2020 model year Mazda vehicles containing SCBS or SBS systems are affected by a braking defect.
“The Class Vehicles contain a feature called i-Activsense, which includes active safety technology and pre-crash safety technology, which are meant to prevent and reduce the risk of collisions,” explains the Mazda class action.
“When working properly, the SCBS and SBS systems alert the driver of a possible collision using the warning indications on the display panel and a warning sound if the front radar sensor and the [forward sensing camera] determine that there is the possibility of a collision with an object, such as a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle ahead. If the systems deem a collision unavoidable, the automatic brake control is activated to reduce damage.”
However, allege the plaintiffs, when the camera overheats, malfunctions occur. Specifically, the plaintiffs claim that the camera improperly activates the braking systems and the vehicle slows down or stops – even though there is no chance of collision.
“The Braking Defect presents significant safety risks for Plaintiffs and Class Members because when the braking system malfunctions and improperly stops or slows the vehicle, Plaintiffs and Class Members are unable to accelerate or maintain the speed of the vehicle,” states the Mazda class action lawsuit.
“Plaintiffs, Class Members, and other occupants of the Class Vehicles are at risk for rear end collisions and other accidents resulting in injury or potentially death because of Defendants’ failure to correct the Braking Defect and/or disclose the existence of the Braking Defect and the safety risks it poses to drivers, vehicle occupants, regulators, and the public in general.”
Indeed, the plaintiffs say that they experienced the defective smart braking system shortly after they leased their vehicle in the summer of 2019. Vidaillet alleges that the braking system lit up on her while driving and the Mazda went from 40 mph to a complete stop within seconds; however, there was allegedly no reason for the car to stop. Vidaillet says the car behind her was barely able to stop in time, narrowly missing a rear end collision.
The Mazda class action lawsuit alleges that the plaintiffs took their car into the dealership. They said that they were told the computer would be reset and they would no longer suffer unintended braking. However, a few months later, the car reportedly stopped unexpectedly twice within 10 minutes.
The plaintiffs said that on this occasion, they were told to either disable the security features on the vehicle or point the air conditioner at the forward sensing camera. The Mazda class action claims the plaintiffs were not satisfied with this solution and have since refused to drive the vehicle.
Miyares and Vidaillet say that the defect affects Mazda vehicles nationwide, but cars in Florida are especially susceptible because of the state’s hot and humid conditions.
Mazda has been hit with other class action lawsuits over alleged defects in its vehicles. One, claims that traffic alerts advertised as a feature by the car maker were inaccessible due to a software defect. Another alleges that the daytime running lights in the Mazda CX-5 burn out prematurely.
Has your Mazda 3 stopped unexpectedly due to the smart braking defect? Tell us more in the comments below.
The plaintiffs are represented by Ricardo M. Martinez-Cid, Lea P. Bucciero, and Alissa Del Riego of Podhurst Orseck PA.
The Mazda Smart Brakes Class Action Lawsuit is Miyares, et al. v. Mazda Motor Corporation, et al., Case No. 1:19-cv-25271, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
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47 thoughts onMazda Class Action Alleges Smart Brake Defect
2019 Mazda 3. Same problem here. Brakes locked up for no reason before the recall. After the recall was performed, it’s just as bad. It’s at the dealership now but a repair is not looking good.
Same thing with me. Please add me! I’ve had it happen twice on the highway and towed to dealership once. They couldn’t find anything wrong. Just happened again today. Very dangerous when you can’t accelerate on a highway. My engine light also simultaneously comes on. 2018 Mazda cx9
I just had my 2018 Mazda CX-9 towed to the dealership. The same thing happened to us. It was very dangerous and we are lucky it did not cause an accident. I am hoping that the fix is covered by Mazda. It seems like a known problem and yet there is no recall. I am not sure how that works.
MY HUSBAND HAS A MAZDA CX5 THAT HAS THE SCBS/SMART CITY BREAK SUPPORT SYSTEM AND THE SBS SYSTEM. WE HAD JUST PICKED THE CAR UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON THURS, JULY 2 BEFORE 6 PM CST, THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO CORRECT THESE MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM. HOWEVER, ON FRI, JULY 3, 2020, I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR LESS THAN 45 MILES AND THEN ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR ALMOST STOPPED INSTANTANEOUSLY ON THE HIGHWAY; WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED 2-3 REAR END COLLISIONS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FATALITIES! I WILL BE TAKING THE SUV BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY, JULY 6, 2020 TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THESE MALFUNCTIONS.
Did you find anything out? The dealership called me and said they do not know what is wrong with it. They said there is water coming down on the drivers side under the steering wheel. I don’t know if that has anything to do with.
About a month back a bird flew in front of my car it was fine up until a couple of mins later it decided to emergency break on its own for no reason THEN last night I hit a bear and ask me if any of the sensors went off at all NOPE.
This has also just happened to me today with my 2019 Mazda CX-9. Was on the highway when it happened – very dangerous spot for it to occur. Currently working on getting it to a Mazda dealership to hopefully resolve the matter..? I reside in BC, Canada (definitely not hot here today, nor as hot as it may get down in Florida, USA).
Hi, I have a 2018 CX 9 signature series so it has all the bell and whistle. One time all the alarm bells went on and said smart brake failure on the dash and went off a few minutes later. I called the dealership they said as long as it is not malfucntioning now they can not fix it. Also they will charge me $130 minimum if i bring it in.
I’m in bc Canada too and this is happening to our 2020 cx9 I’m currently at the dealership trying to get answers
Yes it’s happened to me on my 2020 Mazda 3 and I have it on video from my dash cam
This just happened to my car last night.. what was your outcome?
YES! Mine has many times. And it’s terrifying! I hate driving this car now because of it. I am sitting at the dealership now for the 3rd time with sensor issues. Times before they could not fix it.
I have a 2019 Mazda 3 and I took the car in for the recall and a few days later the car abruptly stopped on its own despite no obstacles in front of the vehicle.
Taking it back to the dealer today, let’s see what happens
I have a 2019 Mazda 3 and I too experience this exact same problem!!! Living in Arkansas as well it’s hot and humid here too! Mazda Dealership tells you there’s nothing they can do about it; they know the defect is there, But let’s you purchase their vehicles anyhow! Please keep me updated on this matter.